New Panasonic DVD recorders

[jasta]

Are the new Panasonic recorders going to have any advantages over the E30, which I was thinking of buying now?

Thanks

[Gil T Pleasure]

Regarding the DMR-E50 and newer models, Panasonic "fixed" the black level bug that the DMR-E30 and older models have.

[Erwin]

You have to be very "nit picky" to notice this bug. I am one of those people is very picky about all my recordings and media; supposedly, the e30 makes the destination copy brighter than the source. I just don't see when I compare the two versions. And yes, I have viewed the destination copy on a different DVD player other than the Panasonic (people state that the e30 will not show these differences in the copied version when played on the e30). The e30 still makes better copies than several video capture devices though. The new Pansonic is also going to cost $100 more for awhile.

[next]

No complaints about the panasonic e-30 product.

I first picked up the e-20 and had no problems. Upgraded to the e-30 because of the flexible recording option that did not require a timed recording Would not give it up. Quality is exceptional.

[next]

My only concern about the e-30 is that what ever you do avoid any production model prior to october of 2002. Too many firmware problems. if you are going to purchase a e-30 make sure it was manufactured after november of 2002.

[Erwin]

"Upgraded to the e-30 because of the flexible recording option that did not require a timed recording Would not give it up. Quality is exceptional."

I think the FR option makes all the difference in the world. It's just nice to know you can control the quality. It's something that could never be done with VHS. If you wanted a 2hr 15min movie in SP, it was just too bad and could not be done on the "average tape". Yes, I agree, the quality is very exceptional.

[next]

Erwin- you nailed it. The e-30 capabilities are a secret. Quality is exceptional. It's almost too easy. Plus editing is not a problem.

[next]

Erwin - I just picked up a panasonic 521 multi drive that I intend to use to experiment on dvd-ram vro files. Let me know if if you are interested in the results.

But you have to loose the curtis mathes promo...ok?

[Erwin]

"It's almost too easy."

It's easy, just don't make sure you don't fall asleep at the wheel like I did the other night. I woke up and realized that I recorded 30 min of some footage that I didn't want from the tape. Ahhhh! I'll never do that again. So, make a note. Either be alert or have a nice BIG cup of coffee if you are not (like I was ). I really love the e30 though. It's hard to complain about a device that only cost me $359 when the first DVD recorder cost close to $4000 (I think or atleast SOUND & VISION state this). Another thing that impresses me is just how smooth and completely unnoticeable the edits are when you "record and cut" different scenes.

[next]

at $359 you paid too much. The e-30 as as a tester should not cost you at all. You have to give it up but there is always a new piece to test.

[next]

Sorry for the cryptic answer but if you have a healthy relationship with your local provider they usually do not have a problem with a number of "in home trials".

[next]

lol....sorry....just read your post again....change your coffee brew!. Looking foward to exchanging posts on your e-30 experiences. Thanks for the opportunity!

[Erwin]

"Sorry for the cryptic answer but if you have a healthy relationship with your local provider they usually do not have a problem with a number of "in home trials"."

Stores don't have a problem as long as you follow their return policy- which I do. You need a receipt, the item should look like was when it was purchased, and it needs to be within the "return time period". I don't buy items and keep them for 30 days as if it were a free rental. If I don't like the item, it imediately goes back that day or the next day. Maybe returning doesn't bother me as much b/c I worked in retail for a few years in my college days. Alot of people return things, it's just human nature.

[ejai]

I love the ease of use and quality that you get when using the E-30 my only complaint is the black level output that someone in an earlier post stated.

I noticed that my copies were coming out more lighter than the originals. For the cost of this device, Panasonic should of picked up on that defect before shipping. I do have a work around, I use a Sima Color Corrector to adjust the video parameters before recording.

Again, for the price color enhancement tools should of been implemented for pre-recording not post playback.

ej

Yet I still love the quality this machine produces.

[thxkid]

1st the E20 and E10 both will do FR also, I ahev done it a many of times, and if you can wait a little there are companies as these bringing out DVD recorders some with HD for less than $400,

APEX, Samsung, Daewoo, Mustek, Philips has 9 coming out, this will also drive the price down on the panasonics also, gonna check out APEX DRX 9000 for $349 that is a DVD recorder and 40 hour hard drive also. The APEX 1000 is a hard disc recorder for $199.